12-men

The FA has warned Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney over his future conduct after the striker walked off the Stamford Bridge pitch, Sunday, mouthing the words “12 men” at Sky’s TV cameras. Rooney, booked for protesting John Terry’s winning goal, made public his displeasure with referee Martin Atkinson’s performance.

The FA, long taking a harsh line with any implication of bias, issued the warning in the aftermath of United’s 1-0 defeat by Chelsea.

Atkinson awarded Chelsea a free-kick after Darren Fletcher challenged Chelsea full-back Ashley Cole. The award prompted an angry reaction from United’s players, who clearly felt the Scot had won the ball. Didier Drogba was then seen to foul Wes Brown as Terry rose to head into the net for Chelsea’s match-winning goal.